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    Endangerment of Ruruuli-Lunyala language: Past and current trends
    (Stellenbosch University, 2023-04) Namyalo, Saudah
    Ruruuli-Lunyala (JE.103; Glottocode: ruul1235, ISO 639-3: ruc) is the native language of the Baruuli and Banyala ethnic groups of Uganda. It is one of the most endangered and under-described languages in Uganda (see Namyalo et al. 2021; Nakayiza 2013). This paper analyses the factors that caused the endangerment of Ruruuli-Lunyala from a historical perspective. It further provides an overview of its current status and the steps that have been taken by the community towards its revitalisation. The data for this paper were collected using oral interviews, observations, and document analysis. The results of the study indicate that the main cause of Ruruuli-Lunyala endangerment stems from the Buganda colonial administration. Under the Buganda rule, Ruruuli-Lunyala language as well as the Kiruuli-Kinyala culture were abandoned. This and other factors explain why this language remains one of Uganda’s under-described minority languages. The study concludes by observing that, although there are some support efforts towards the revitalisation of Ruruuli-Lunyala, the young population is shifting to Luganda, Runyoro and Lusoga.
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    Exploring connections: Reflections on mother-tongue education in postcolonial Uganda
    (Stellenbosch University, 2014-01-31) Ssentanda, Medadi E,
    Mother-tongue (MT) education in Uganda, like in many other countries, is a highly contentious subject. A plethora of problems plague MT education and all are similar to those mentioned in more than six decades of research and evaluations on the topic from numerous countries across the world. Based on fieldwork conducted in four primary schools in the Rakai district of Uganda, this paper attempts to demystify and critically theorise practices and ideologies of language in education. This study is inflected by the theoretical work of Tollefson (1991), particularly his challenging remark that "language is built into the economic and social structure of society so deeply that its fundamental importance seems only natural. [...] For this reason, language policies are often seen as expressions of natural, common-sense assumptions about language in society" (Tollefson 1991:2). This paper therefore sets out to surpass the mere cataloguing of problems bedevilling MT education in Uganda by proposing an account of their possible genesis. Through an examination of dysfunctional state and government structures, the role of linguistic ideology as well as the distribution of symbolic and material wealth, it is herein argued that there should be a shift from the structural-functional model, where policies are considered bodies of discourse that should, or that fail to, be implemented. It is proposed rather that the education system mirrors a wider societal concern in which colonial legacies are miserably reproduced in postcolonial Ugandan structures.
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    Positive Youth Development in War-Affected Children in Uganda
    (African Journals Online (AJOL), 2016-01-01) Jody, L. McBrien; Jan, Stewart; Akullu, Betty Ezati
    The war in northern Uganda with Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) created over 20 years of terror and turmoil. Tens of thousands of youth were either abducted as child soldiers and/or sex slaves; or they were placed in internally displaced peoples’ (IDP) camps, where they lived with inadequate social provisions, such as food, health care, education, and safety. Our study used interviews and focus groups to learn about how these youth were coping post-war. In particular, we focused on youth with positive purpose and goals to understand ways in which they were supported to hold fast to positive development and life goals. Findings indicated that rehabilitation, financial support for education, role models, and sports/arts have helped many youth who experienced war in northern Uganda find pro-social purposes in their lives.
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    Regulator or Controller: A Five-Year Analysis of the Cat and Mouse Games between the Uganda Communications Commission and Broadcasters in Uganda
    (Elsevier BV, 2021) Walyemera, Daniel
    This article examines the conduct of the broadcasting regulator in Uganda. It considers whether the law governing the Uganda Communications Commission is in tandem with international human rights standards. This is in specific regard to media freedoms and other associated human rights. The major conclusion is that Uganda’s broadcasting regime is ambiguous and is used as a tool to facilitate partisan political interests. As a consequence, the said regime does not meet international human rights standards. The article recommends reform of the legal regime, including the operationalization of the Uganda Communications Tribunal to curb the arbitrary directives of the Uganda Communications Commission to radio, television and online broadcasters in Uganda.
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    Increasing access to education for refugees in Uganda
    (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2021-01-28) Muyenga, Mugerwa-Sekawabe
    This article investigates the scope of the right to education as enjoyed by refugees in terms of domestic (Ugandan), regional (African) and international law. One of the main obstacles to accessing education for refugees in Uganda is financial constraints, which the principle of burden sharing seeks to ameliorate in refugee hosting countries in the Global South. This principial of burden sharing lies at the heart of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to realize a more equitable distribution of refugee populations, who are disproportionately found in the Global South within States whose financial resources are severely strained. This article explores whether the GCR will increase access to the right to education of refugees in such a country, namely, Uganda. This right is considered to be a "multiplier" right as the degree of access to education impacts the level of enjoyment of other human rights. The article considers whether the international and regional frameworks are likely to increase access to education for refugees in Uganda. Finally, recommendations are made to other stakeholders, namely, the Ugandan government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), on how to facilitate access to education for refugee children in Uganda.
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    The unresolved ethnic question in Uganda’s District Councils
    (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2015-09-23) Singiza, D. K.; Visser, J. De
    The Constitution of Uganda of 1995 (the Constitution) recognises 65 indigenous communities in Uganda. It aspires to integrate all the people of Uganda by directing that "[e]verything shall be done to promote a culture of cooperation, understanding, appreciation, tolerance and respect for each other's customs, traditions and beliefs". The Constitution posits five fundamental rights that are particularly relevant to our discussion. These are: equality and freedom from discrimination; respect for human dignity and protection from inhuman treatment; the protection of freedom of conscience and religion; the protection of minorities; and the right to culture and similar rights. Decentralisation to local government is often associated with two important drivers, namely, deepening democracy and pursuing development. In Uganda, a decentralisation agenda was pursued in order to achieve sustainable levels of development, improve the country's democratic governance, sustain political stability, and promote diversity. This article focuses on Uganda's quest to use decentralisation to promote the accommodation of diversity. It is a critical goal as the neglect or even suppression of diversity, be it ethnic, cultural or religious, can be linked to poverty, political despondency, alienation, and civil strife. It may even result in ethnic groups directly challenging the legitimacy of the state. This article examines the legal and constitutional framework for the election of district councils in Uganda because the design and practice of elections in Uganda has an impact on Uganda's ability to follow through on the promise of respecting and encouraging diversity through decentralisation. The article concludes that the law and practice surrounding the election of district councils reveal the political exclusion of ethnic minorities. It is argued that this is contrary to the stated policy objectives of decentralisation in Uganda and only serves to further promote the political dominance of the ruling party.
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    The Legal Status of Evidence obtained through Human Rights Violations in Uganda
    (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2017-05-17) Nanima, Robert D.
    The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 (Constitution of 1995) is silent on the issue of dealing with evidence obtained through human rights violations. This silence dates to the Constitutions 1962, 1966 and 1967.  It is only the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture Act of 2012 that renders evidence obtained through torture inadmissible.  This means that evidence obtained through human rights violations, other than torture is not covered by any other legislation in Uganda. The position is different in other common law jurisdictions such as South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe, which have constitutional provisions on how to deal with evidence obtained through human rights violations. Decisions handed down by the Courts are inconsistent in dealing with this kind of evidence. This comparative study coupled with Uganda’s international human rights obligations delves into this lacuna in the law and gives proposals for reform.
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    Combating political and bureaucratic corruption in Uganda: Colossal challenges for the church and the citizens
    (AOSIS, 2018-05-15) Asea, Wilson B.
    This article formulates a new approach to combating corruption in Uganda. In pursuit of this research, the author highlights the chronicity of corruption in Uganda, which is uniformly political and bureaucratic. Bureaucratic corruption takes place in service delivery and rule enforcement. It has two sides: demand-induced and supply-induced. Political corruption occurs at high levels of politics. There are ‘political untouchables’ and businessmen who are above the law and above institutional control mechanisms. The established institutions of checks and balances in Uganda have assiduously continued to have a limited bearing on corruption. Neither coherent anti-corruption norms nor severe formal sanctions are able to dishearten certain politicians and civil servants in Uganda from the deviant behaviour of structural corruption. Corruption is a spiritual departure from the law and standard of God. It is an action conceived in the human mind and carried out by the corrupt. Therefore, corruption deterrence not only lies in sound public financial management systems but depends to a large extent on having people with positive human character in all aspects of national life. This article thus provides the framework of corruption and discusses the manifestation of political and bureaucratic corruption in Uganda. It also exegetes the biblical stance regarding corruption. Finally, it proposes a panacea for combating political and bureaucratic corruption.
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    Civil Society Organisations and Democratic Consolidation in Uganda
    (African Journal of International Affairs, 2004-08-03) Katusiimeh, Mesharch W.
    consolidation in Uganda. It argues that civil society organisations (CSOs) play an important role in building democratic governments but also questions whether the CSOs can live up to the theoretical expectations of building democratic governments. This paper, based on case study evidence from Uganda, attempts to bridge the gap between theory and reality by offering a realistic assessment of CSOs’ capabilities as regards democratic consolidation. Because of Uganda’s political history, political activism and political advocacy have not been widely embraced by CSOs. Negative political experiences have created some apathy and wariness resulting in many CSOs maintaining that they are apolitical. As a result, CSOs havefailed to mark distance from the NRM government in a manner that affirms their autonomous and independent growth. Ultimately, such a posture has undermined the CSOs’ cause and has confined them to issues that do not fundamentally challenge or affect the status quo.
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    The Politics of International Terrorism in the Security Complexes in the Greater Horn of Africa: An Overview from Uganda under the Movementocracy
    (African Journal of International Affairs, 2004) Mukwaya, Aaron K.K.
    The article attempts to analyse the phenomenon of international terrorism in the Greater Horn Security Complexes, with the emphasis on the role of Uganda’s Movementocratic government. The article is premised on the thesis that ‘International Terrorism’, apart from its local, national, regional and global causes, has become one of the key determinants of foreign policy and regional relations in the Greater Horn of Africa, and even more so for Uganda. It asserts that given the uniqueness of the Movementocracy and the global appraisal of this governance, Uganda is at the moment standing up to be counted by western countries as one of the vanguards in the fight against international terrorism in the Greater Horn of Africa. It also considers the causes and consequences of international terrorism and the methodologies and strategies for addressing this political scourge at the local, national, regional, continental and global levels. Here we shall examine unilateral, bilateral and multilateral approaches in dealing with international terrorism through states and non-states arrangements and methodologies.
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    Context Informing the Adoption of Regional Security Initiatives for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in East Africa
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2025-03-10) Meme, Isaac Mwenda; Muoka, Boniface; Wekesa, Peter
    The proliferation of SALWs in the East African region has negatively impacted both national and regional security. Porous and expansive borders, corruption, and instability in the region, commercialization of cattle rustling, weak governments and the presence of ungoverned spaces in the region, have facilitated the proliferation of SALWs in the region. This article presents the findings on the initiatives adopted by Kenya and Uganda, both individually and collaboratively for the control of the proliferation of SALWs in East Africa. The study was guided by the regionalism theory of inter-state cooperation and a descriptive survey design. The sampled respondents totalling 55 were drawn from the security agencies, members of civil societies, foreign relation offices, non-state actors and religious leaders. Instrumentation encompassed questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. The findings indicate the context that entails armed robberies, cattle rustling, and conflicts between communities and in urban areas like Nairobi, illegal firearms can be purchased relatively cheaply. Similarly, SALWs are used by various non-state actors, including rebel groups and criminal gangs, which exacerbates instability and hampers peace efforts. This context forms a critical need for comprehensive strategies that address the SALW proliferation, enhance regional collaboration, and improve public awareness to effectively mitigate the associated security threats. The study recommends that the governments of Kenya and Uganda should enhance the recruitment, training, and deployment of sufficient security troops to the Northeast of Uganda and the Northwestern region of Kenya
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    Conflict Management and Resolution in Uganda: A case of Ntungamo District Local Government
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2024-08-31) Nimusima, Kakwengo Tadius
    The study focused on conflict management on resolution in Ntungamo District Local Government. Specifically to identify the influence of arbitration on resolution, to examine the influence of negotiation on resolution and to examine the influence of confrontation on resolution in Ntungamo District Local Government. The research used case study design. The study used purposive random sampling to select documents in the study that helped to gather detailed information on conflict resolution. The data study used secondary source of data collection with the sample size of 6 articles were considered. Data was analysed using content analysis for qualitative data. The study found out that local council courts were established to bring justice nearer to the people. The grading of the courts is based on the administrative units created by the local Government Act (Cap 243). Every village, parish, sub county and division/town councils is established as a local council court according to Local councils Courts Act. The law establishes local courts for the administration of Justice at local levels, defines their jurisdictional powers and procedures. The study also found out that LCs are viewed as popular organs created to counter and hold in check abuses of the civil servants and all other state functionaries. The study recommends that Ntungamo Local Government actors should be capacitated with the skills and knowledge to manage conflict is a proactive measure that will support their efforts to prevent and mitigate conflicts that may arise in these increasingly densely populated urban environments
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    Factors Influencing Recentralization of Local Government Functions in Uganda
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2024-01-12) Biryomumeisho, Stephen; Ocan, Johnson; Adyanga, Francis Akena
    The decentralisation system of governance is perceived as one of the recent public sector reforms to improve service delivery in Uganda. It is the transfer of authority from Central to Local Governments to execute their duties to improve service delivery. Various developing countries have praised Uganda’s decentralisation policy regarding the magnitude of the transfer of authority to the local level. However, since 2003, the Central Government started reversing the policy in terms of :  recentralization of the appointment of Chief Administrative Officers and Municipal Town Clerks and of recent City Town Clerks (for new cities in Uganda) from the District Service Commissions (DSCs) to the Public Service Commission,  recentralization of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) under the management of the Executive Director, Procurement of drugs from the district health office to the National Medical Stores (NMS), recentralization of  the payroll and the recent recentralization of local revenue  collection from LGs.  This paper focuses on the factors influencing the recentralization of Local Government powers in Uganda. This is presumed to be evidence of the demise of decentralisation policy. From the reviewed articles, these factors include: accountability challenges, human resource management crisis, political interference by local authorities and lack of financial discipline among local authorities and fear of local autonomy. The paper concluded that recentralisation of Local Government functions reduced undue influence of local politicians though it accorded excessive powers to executive officers in Local Governments; human resource crisis was mainly caused by poor man power planning. Recentralisation of local revenue caused financial constraints at the local level and recentralisation of KCCA led to the weakening of the opposition but led to increases resources to develop the capital city. The paper recommended that the Parliament should harmonise with the central government on the issue of returning Local revenue collection and management at the local level; give reasonable powers to the local Governments to control top technical leadership; increase funding to Central Government staff to monitor Local Government programs and build the capacity of local leaders to improve service delivery
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    Overview of the African Human Rights and Justice System
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2025-04-02) Barigayomwe, Rogers
    This thesis examines the African Human Rights and Justice System, focusing on the mechanisms established to promote and protect human rights on the continent. It provides a comprehensive overview of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), which represents the foundational legal framework for human rights in Africa. The research details the roles of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, exploring their functions, challenges, and the impact of their actions on human rights protections. The research methodology was a qualitative analysis of legal documents, case studies, and reports from human rights organizations, this study identifies significant gaps in enforcement mechanisms and the implementation of human rights laws. Moreover, the thesis highlights the historical context of human rights in Africa, emphasizing the effects of colonialism and the need for a concerted effort to eradicate its remnants for genuine human rights realization. The findings suggest that while substantial frameworks exist, effective operationalization remains hindered by political, social, and economic factors. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening the African Human Rights and Justice System, including enhancing the capacity of the existing institutions, fostering greater accountability, and encouraging civil society participation. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on human rights in Africa and aims to provide a foundation for future reforms in the regional justice system
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    Effect of Refugee Influx on the Right to Health of Refugees in Nakivale Settlement Camp in Uganda
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2025-03-20) Barigayomwe, Rogers; Dusabimana, Yvette
    This study investigates the effect of refugee influx on the right to health of refugees in the Nakivale settlement camp in Uganda. Utilizing a cross-sectional case study design, the research surveyed a sample of 158 refugees from a target population of 260. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. The results indicate that while the refugee influx has positively impacted certain aspects of the healthcare system—such as the construction of new health facilities and the provision of hospital beds—significant challenges remain. Specifically, maternal health and access to essential medicines have suffered, highlighting a negative impact on the overall right to health. The correlation analysis revealed a strong relationship (r = 0.76, p < 0.05) between refugee influx and health outcomes, affirming the hypothesis that refugee influx significantly affects health rights. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that factors related to refugee influx account for 63.5% of the variance in health service delivery. The study underscores the necessity for improved coordination, policy formulation, and resource allocation to enhance refugee health services. Recommendations include integrating health services for refugees and local populations, improving health financing, and promoting continuity of care, particularly for vulnerable groups. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring equitable access to health services in the context of growing refugee populations.
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    Effect of Judicial Decisions on Child Rights Protection in Mityana Municipality
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2025-03-13) Barigayomwe, Rogers; Asiimwe, Lillian
    This study investigates the effect of judicial decisions on child rights protection in Mityana Municipality, Uganda, amidst evolving legal frameworks and persistent systemic challenges. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, the research examines how judicial outcomes influence the safeguarding of children's rights. Data analysis reveals a strong positive correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.742) between judicial decisions and the effectiveness of child rights protection. Furthermore, linear regression analysis indicates that approximately 55.1% of the variance in child rights protection can be explained by judicial decisions, with a significant predictor coefficient of 0.637 (p < 0.001). Despite the robust legal framework provided by the Constitution and the Children Act, the study identifies critical gaps in implementation, exacerbated by inadequate training for judicial officers and socio-economic barriers. The findings underscore the necessity for reforms, including the establishment of specialized child rights courts and enhanced stakeholder engagement. This research contributes to the discourse on child rights protection in Uganda, offering actionable insights for policymakers aimed at strengthening judicial processes and fostering an environment where children's rights are prioritized.
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    Sustainable Development and Sovereign Debt: A Legal Perspective on Debt Sustainability for Africa
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2025-02-03) Nattabi, Patricia Kirumira
    The World Bank’s 2023 Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) puts twelve low-income countries (LICs) in Africa at a high risk of debt distress while six are in debt distress. The recurring unsustainable debt in Sub-Saharan Africa has had a long-standing effect on the pace of development, as measures taken to accommodate debt resolution have often had a counter-effect on economic performance, as investment in development priorities and the social welfare of citizens have often taken a back seat to debt servicing. The United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its implementation Action plans address unsustainable debt as a major obstacle to achieving sustainable development and therefore highlight the importance of supporting poverty eradication by filling the financial gap and encouraging coordinated assistance in developing countries to attain long-term debt sustainability through relief, restructuring, and financing. However, there is a need to clarify the norms underlying sustainability principles and ground them in law to create stronger frameworks for certainty, legitimacy, and effectiveness in their application to Africa’s sovereign debt problems. This research analyses the arguments for a sustainable development approach to improving debt sustainability in Africa, by relating the state responsibilities and obligations within the sustainable development norms in international law and those responsibilities accruing to creditors and sovereign debtors. It analyses these aspects with three emergent norms of international law, sustainable development, shared responsibility, and debt sustainability, and provides a correlation with the socio-economic, environmental, and governance dimensions of sustainable development. The research finds that neglecting the coherence of these aspects in African debt strategies not only increases vulnerability for debt crisis but also prolongs recovery, thereby slowing the progress towards sustainable development.
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    Posts without ‘Functions’: A review of Article 180(5) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 on the Position of Deputy Governors
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2022-12-07) Osanan, Bruno Oksiba
    Article 180(5) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides that each candidate for election as a county governor shall nominate a person who qualifies for election as a county governor as a candidate for deputy governor. But almost twelve years after the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, questions have arisen not only on the importance of these positions but also on whether there is a need to amend the Constitution to provide for clear and substantive functions of deputy governors or even scrap off these positions altogether. To address this dilemma, this paper will begin by exploring the constitutional duties of the deputy governors. The paper will then conduct a comparative analysis of the Kenyan county governance structure and South African provincial governance structures before then critically analysing the five functions enlisted in section 32 of the County Government Act 2012. In moving from a theoretical analysis to a practical analysis of the situation, the paper will finalise by looking into case studies involving the resignation of the former Deputy Governor of Nairobi County, Paulcarp Igathe, and the ‘absence in office’ of the West Pokot’s Deputy Governor, Nicholas Owon Atudonyang. In summary, the paper finds that constitutionally, the critical mandates of the deputy governor include deputising the Governor, filling the vacancy in cases of vacancy in the Governor’s office, and promoting inclusivity in the county. However, there are still numerous gaps in the Constitution, such as the failure to fill the vacancy in the deputy governor’s office and the lack of procedure for removing the deputy governor’s office. Having been enacted after the adoption of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, it was legitimately expected that the enactment of the County Government Act 2012 will at least address these gaps. Unfortunately, a critical analysis of section 32 of the County Government Act shows that all the enlisted functions in the aforementioned provision are merely a repetition of what is provided by the Constitution, or whatever has been enlisted as functions are fundamentally inconsequential for lack of clarity and substance
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    The Malabo Protocol: A Panacea for Crimes Prevention in Africa?
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2022-09-05) Barigayomwe, Rogers; Gary, Prevost
    The study provides a critical review of selected articles contained in the Malabo Protocol. The protocol, which provides an amendment to the protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights is one of eight legal instruments adopted by African Union (AU) leaders on 27 June 2014, but undoubtedly one of its most significant. The protocol established the criminal section of the African Court and outlined a list of fourteen crimes under the jurisdiction of the Court with the aim of forestalling crimes in Africa. If the Court gets the 15 ratifications needed to enter into force, it will be able to investigate and prosecute international, transnational, and other crimes through its three separate chambers and jurisdictions. The Court is poised to introduce a novelty development in the international legal system by having three chambers into a single court with a common set of judges.
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    Security and Fragility of Tenure of Public Servants within the Legal Framework in Uganda
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2022-06-27) Kimuraheebwe, John Mary Vianney; Atibuni, Dennis Zami; Manyiraho, Deborah
    This conceptual paper examines the security and fragility of tenure of public servants in Uganda within the established legal and policy frameworks. The conceptualisation involved a systematic literature review of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, as amended, together with a host of other principal and subsidiary legislation that provides for the security of tenure of public servants in Uganda. Other primary sources such as court cases and secondary sources such as policy documents, relevant articles, and reviews were also reviewed. The paper reveals that despite its strength due to its robustness, the labour law of Uganda has gaps which, in addition to the manner of its coordination and implementation, potentially and actually generates both positive and negative expectations and outcomes for the public officers in relation to their security of tenure at the workplace. In this paper, we argue that a fair implementation of the law guarantees tenure security while unfair implementation of it predisposes the public officers to a fragile and insecure tenure. We also suggest strategies that can be employed to avert tenure fragility and enhance tenure security to foster the socioeconomic transformation of the civil servants and the country as a whole